The Hall of Fame design of the Seiko stopwatch is finally a wristwatch!

SEIKO | SEIKO

Wear SEIKO's history and tradition in sports timing. Two mechanical models and four solar models in the "SPEEDTIMER" collection.

From <SEIKO PROSPEX>, a new collection called "SPEEDTIMER" is launched, embodying SEIKO's "accurate timekeeping" technology and passion cultivated over approximately 50 years. Two mechanical chronograph models, including a limited edition that inherits design elements from historical models manufactured in the 1960s, and four solar chronograph models will be available.

Text by OZAKI Sayaka

The new "SPEEDTIMER" inherits SEIKO's "accurate timekeeping" DNA.

For SEIKO, which has continued to support athletes striving for 0.1-second and 0.01-second precision, the 1960s were a crucial period of significant advancement in timing technology. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, SEIKO introduced a stopwatch equipped with a "heart cam" for its stop-start mechanism, achieving a high level of accuracy in 0.01-second increments, which had been previously impossible.

Stopwatch used for official timing at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics

Before the introduction of this stopwatch, SEIKO was producing approximately 6,000 stopwatches per month, but their performance was not sufficient for sports timing applications. Development began in 1961 for the event, and high-performance timing was achieved in just three years, contributing to the success of the same event.

1969 Speedtimer

Also in 1964, SEIKO released the "Crown Chronograph," the first Japanese-made chronograph to incorporate a stopwatch function into a wristwatch. Then, five years later in 1969, they launched the "1969 Speedtimer," the world's first automatic chronograph with a vertical clutch. By employing a vertical clutch, this model achieved exceptional timing accuracy, suppressing hand deviation and jump during start-stop operations while also improving shock resistance.

A new collection is launched, inheriting the name "SPEEDTIMER," a milestone of SEIKO chronographs, symbolizing the development history of the 1960s. This collection inherits SEIKO's long-standing design philosophy that pursues high practicality required for timing instruments, offering two mechanical chronograph models and four solar chronograph models with excellent visibility and legibility for accurate time reading.

The legendary design of the SEIKO stopwatch is finally a wristwatch! | SEIKO

<SEIKO PROSPEX> SPEEDTIMER Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition

The "<SEIKO PROSPEX> SPEEDTIMER Mechanical Chronograph Limited Edition" is a limited edition model that strongly inherits the design philosophy and styling of the 1964 stopwatch, which marked the start of development for professional timing instruments, symbolizing the debut of this collection. The chronograph seconds hand is long enough to reach the tachymeter scale on the outer edge of the dial, and its tip is bent towards the dial to minimize the distance to the scale, maximizing legibility. Inspired by the stopwatches of that era, the push buttons are designed for easy pressing, and the crown is shaped for easy pulling, ensuring excellent operability, a crucial element for chronographs. The newly developed bracelet has a moderate thickness and weight, which, combined with the stable feel of the case with its low center of gravity, provides a high level of comfort.

Caliber 8R46

Through the see-through case back, the new mechanical chronograph movement, "Caliber 8R46," is visible. This new movement is equipped with a column wheel for reliable operation and stable performance, in addition to the vertical clutch, embodying technologies that have been evolving since the "1969 Speedtimer."

Furthermore, SEIKO's unique three-armed hammer, where the three arms are integrated, ensures the instantaneous reset of the chronograph hands and offers excellent durability and maintainability. The included calf leather strap with off-white stitching also incorporates the philosophy of a genuine sports watch. The "concealed stitching" on the underside of the strap hides the seams, preventing deterioration of the leather material from sweat and sebum and enhancing durability.

<SEIKO PROSPEX> SPEEDTIMER Mechanical Chronograph

The "<SEIKO PROSPEX> SPEEDTIMER Mechanical Chronograph" is a regular model with a neo-classic appearance, inspired by the first Japanese-made chronograph. It features the same movement and bracelet as the limited edition, with sharp hour and minute hands, indices, and a charcoal gray dial.

The hammer-shaped push buttons used for operating the stopwatch function are inspired by the "Crown Chronograph," which debuted as the first Japanese-made chronograph in 1964. The design, inherited from a model born about 50 years ago and still loved by many fans today, creates a classical yet modern impression, complemented by the vintage-style Lumibrite applied to the outer edges of the hour and minute hands and indices.

<SEIKO PROSPEX> SPEEDTIMER Solar Chronograph

The compact and sporty "<SEIKO PROSPEX> SPEEDTIMER Solar Chronograph," which strongly inherits the design of the "1969 Speedtimer," is equipped with the solar chronograph movement "Caliber V192" featuring a stopwatch function, similar to the mechanical models, and is available in four color variations. The compact 39mm case, which inherits the distinctive form of the historical model, is combined with a curved sapphire crystal, creating a classical yet sporty appearance.

Furthermore, the case and bracelet, finished with meticulous hairline and mirror polishing, provide a solid presence on the wrist. The dial features a sand-textured pattern that suppresses light reflection, ensuring high visibility characteristic of genuine sports watches.